New Delhi – Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced today that the highly anticipated NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite will be launched on July 30, 2025, at 17:40 IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The mission represents a landmark moment in Indo-US space collaboration and a testament to India’s growing global leadership in Earth observation and climate resilience.
A Global Benchmark in Scientific Diplomacy
Describing the mission as a “global benchmark for Indo-US scientific collaboration,” Dr. Singh emphasized that NISAR reflects India’s commitment to the collective good of humanity, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’—a global partner contributing to worldwide welfare.
“This mission is not just about launching a satellite. It’s a symbol of what democracies committed to science and global well-being can achieve together,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Technological Marvel and Strategic Partnership
NISAR is the first joint Earth observation mission between NASA and ISRO, aimed at offering high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night radar imaging of the Earth. The mission combines NASA’s L-Band radar with ISRO’s S-Band radar, integrated into a 2,392 kg satellite placed in sun-synchronous orbit.
Key contributions include:
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NASA: L-Band SAR, GPS receivers, high-rate telecommunication system, and a 12-meter unfurlable antenna.
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ISRO: S-Band SAR, satellite bus, GSLV-F16 launch vehicle, and mission operations.
Notably, this marks the first time a GSLV rocket is being used to place a satellite in sun-synchronous orbit, showcasing ISRO’s expanding technical prowess.
A New Standard in Earth Observation
The NISAR satellite will image the entire land and ice-covered surface of the Earth every 12 days, enabling real-time and longitudinal study of:
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Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides
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Environmental changes: deforestation, soil moisture, shoreline erosion
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Agricultural trends: crop mapping, soil analysis
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Climate monitoring: glacier movement, storm tracking, sea ice classification
Dr. Singh noted, “NISAR’s insights will be vital for researchers, governments, and disaster response teams around the world.”
Free and Fast: Democratizing Satellite Data
One of the mission’s standout features is its open-access policy. All data will be freely available within 1–2 days of collection, and in near real-time during emergencies. This initiative aims to empower developing nations with cutting-edge Earth observation data that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Mission for Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Positioning NISAR within the context of climate change and sustainable growth, Dr. Singh highlighted its importance for risk assessment, early warning systems, and policy planning.
“Such missions are no longer just scientific pursuits. They are central to national resilience strategies and global environmental governance,” he asserted.
Decade-Long Vision, Global-Scale Impact
NISAR is the product of over a decade of collaboration and $1.5 billion in investment by both countries. The mission has attracted worldwide attention from space agencies, climate scientists, and policymakers, who see it as a model for international scientific cooperation.
Conclusion: India’s Space Programme Ascends Globally
As India prepares for the July 30 launch, Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the Modi government’s ambition to elevate India’s space journey from domestic service delivery to global knowledge contribution.
“NISAR is not just a satellite—it’s India’s scientific handshake with the world,” Dr. Singh concluded.
Source: PIB
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